Severe Abdominal Discomfort
I am a 33-year-old woman residing in Ohio. My medical history includes multiple sclerosis, endometriosis, potential postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (currently under evaluation by a cardiologist), trigeminal neuralgia, and HPV. It has been a month since I last experienced a regular bowel movement. Currently, my stools are either in the form of thin ribbons or small fragments mixed with diarrhea. I find myself able to go to the bathroom only once a week. Recently, several doctors reviewed my imaging scans and assured me that everything appeared normal; however, they declined my request for a second opinion. Just a week later, I learned that I was on the verge of sepsis due to an infection. I am seeking another perspective, as I am trying to understand why I am experiencing such intense abdominal pain and why I have been unable to have normal bowel movements for an entire month if there is no obstruction present. I am wondering if the current evaluations genuinely indicate that I am fine. As I am not a medical professional and unable to interpret X-rays myself, I am particularly curious about the gaseous-looking area on my left hip. Thank you for your input. I will provide additional details in the comments if needed.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 6:30:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant abdominal discomfort and unusual bowel patterns, which can be concerning, especially considering your medical history. Your primary concerns seem to be the severity of your symptoms and the recent near-sepsis experience.
Summary of Key Points:
- Severe Abdominal Discomfort: This could be related to a combination of your existing conditions or might suggest new issues.
- Bowel Movement Changes: Infrequent bowel movements, accompanied by symptoms like diarrhea or ribbon-like stools, are abnormal and require attention.
- Recent Health Scare: Your near-sepsis suggests that there may still be underlying issues needing thorough investigation despite normal imaging results.
Explanation:
Abdominal pain with changes in bowel habits could be caused by several factors, such as complications from endometriosis, side effects from medication, or changes in intestinal motility—especially considering your potential diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). It's important to note that sometimes imaging might not reveal every underlying condition, especially if there’s inflammation or dysfunction not visible on scans.
The symptoms you describe (thin ribbon-like stools and infrequent bowel movements) can indicate possible motility issues or other gastrointestinal concerns. The gaseous area you mentioned could potentially be related to gas buildup but interpreting this area without medical expertise can be tricky.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Track Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed diary of your abdominal pain, bowel habits, diet, and any other symptoms. Include what you eat and any medications you're taking. This information will help future healthcare providers get a clearer picture of what's happening.
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Hydration and Diet:
- Increase your water intake, as staying hydrated can help with digestion.
- Consider a high-fiber diet if you aren’t already; foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can promote regular bowel movements. However, if you experience increased pain with fiber, some types can be bothersome to the gut, so adjust accordingly.
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Encourage Regular Movements:
- Aim for regular bowel habits—many people benefit from a routine that includes certain times of day to sit on the toilet, even if there aren’t immediate urges.
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Evaluate Medications:
- Review any medications you are currently taking with your doctor or pharmacist to rule out lesser-known side effects impacting your bowel movements.
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Request Further Evaluation:
- If symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeking a gastroenterologist for a more focused evaluation, especially since your symptoms are significant and you have a complex medical history.
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Immediate Concerns:
- If you experience worsening pain, fever, significant abdominal swelling, or any signs that might indicate an emergency (like severe vomiting or inability to keep fluids down), seek immediate medical attention.
Conclusion:
Your feelings of concern are completely valid, and what you’re experiencing warrants further discussion with healthcare professionals who will take your symptoms seriously. Tracking your symptoms meticulously can greatly assist in this process. Stay proactive about your health and don’t hesitate to seek out supportive healthcare that aligns with your needs.
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